WBA convenes high-level roundtable on advancing bio-LNG in the maritime sector 

On 22 October, the World Biogas Association (WBA) hosted a closed-door roundtable in London on Advancing Bio-LNG in the Maritime Sector. It brought together senior representatives from across the bio-LNG value chain, including producers, shipping companies, fuel buyers and traders, classification and certification bodies, policymakers, international organisations, industry associations and market analysts. 

Objectives 

Bio-LNG is a drop-in alternative for LNG-powered vessels, which makes it a practical option for maritime decarbonisation. The roundtable aimed to identify practical pathways for accelerating its adoption in shipping. Discussion was organised around three themes: 

• Market and supply/demand landscape: biomethane and bio-LNG supply, feedstock availability, bunkering infrastructure and demand signals from shipowners and charterers. 

• Policy and regulatory developments: FuelEU Maritime, the IMO’s emerging Net Zero Framework, certification, traceability and mass-balance systems. 

• Market mechanisms and commercial pathways: pricing structures, long-term offtake, and the trading structures needed to unlock investment. 

The roundtable was held under the Chatham House Rule to encourage candid exchange, and participation was by invitation only. 

Who took part 

We were pleased to welcome representatives from: ACT Commodities, the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), Biofuture Industry Council, Carnival, Cruise Lines International Association, DNV, Eurogas, Furetank Chartering, Furetank Rederi AB, Global Gas Tracking, Grissan, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Gas Union, Intertanko, Lloyd’s Register, Mitsui, MSC, S&P Global, SEA/LNG, Shell Biogas, STX Group, the UK Chamber of Shipping and the UK Department for Transport. 

We thank all participants for their time and contributions. 

Next steps 

The group agreed that further work is needed to build a clear and consistent framework for bio-LNG in shipping. WBA will take forward two priorities: 

1. A working group on maritime bio-LNG policy and markets. WBA will bring members together to coordinate industry input into relevant consultation processes and support aligned advocacy. The first priority is the EU Implementing Regulation 2026/996 consultation, followed by input into the IMO process.
2. A stronger evidence base. We will explore research on the cost competitiveness of bio-LNG in maritime applications, feedstock availability, and the bottlenecks affecting the construction of new production plants

Members’ access 

A summary of the roundtable takeaways and the presentation slides are available exclusively to WBA members.  

Not yet a member?  To access these resources and help shape our work on bio-LNG, contact Ccasal@worldbiogasassociation.org  and to get involved in the working group, contact gceccarelli@worldbiogasassociation.org.